The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1887-04-13
John D. MoRRISSEY.
Outline of the History of New Light in
the Sporting World.
New York Special.

lNGn l0fA cpeClhAl
When the race-horse, Montana Regent,
was purchased for $4,000, year ago. East
ern turfmen were anxious TO know the
new owner OF the colt. 1t was generally
understood that Ex-Governor Pinchback,
Of Louisiana, was the purchaser. Turf
goers in the East had settled down to that
conviction. when it was announced that
John ID. Morrlssey had bought the colt.
Then every body in the East wanted to know
something about Morrissey. Tutfmen
bad not heard of him before. While
speculation as to his identity vag going
around, Mr.. MorriSsey purchased other
race horses, and followed the matter up by
an offer to race Montana Regent against
Lucky Baldwin's great borse, Volante, the
champion of the Pacific coast aud the
equine pet of many Eastern turf-goers 1t
was Nolante that won the champ ion stakes
at Monmouth Park las Saturday. and
by the by, he was named to win by Black
and Blue. Lucky Baldwin won't allow
anybody t.. deny the merits of Volante,
ah0 when Morrissey talked about Montana
Regent. Baldwin promptly offered to race
Nolsnie against him for $40. 900. Baldwin,
ia Ills Chal Ell ge, made no conditions offer
ing 10 allow MOrrissey to name the dis
la O. AID arrange other particulars, only
ptcl'TiLg That the race should be run
~ 10 track adding the greatest amount
OF money.
Morrissey, instead of accepting this
sweeping challenge of the California mill
ioDaire and ranchman, responded by offer
ing TO race at Memphis during the latter
part of this month when he well knew
Volante would be in California. This
angered Baldwin, and he offered to race
NOlaDte against any horse in America at a
mile and a half for any money. Nor
rissey, instead OF declining or accepting
nv of RI
race Montana Regent at two and quarter
miles aga nst Nolante for So, 900 side, at
or after the Chicago meeting, Morrissey
knowing full well that this was not only
an evasion of Baldwins manly challenge,
but was ridiculous, also, from the fact that
Nolante wo, Id be filling engagements in
the East when Morrissey wanted him to
race in the West. All turtmen agree that
| Morrissey wanted to bluff Baldwin, and
that he failed after the manner of Mr.. J. B.
| Haggin last year. Baldwin is a thorough
sportsman, and would run his borse on
| three legs after giving his word for a race.
All this talk has led to inquiry about
Morrissey. He has had lots of goad fort
/ une, and as he will be prominently before
| the public, his life is worth writing about.
He is an Irishman under forty years of age,
| with good deal of native tact and little
| education. A few years ago he was glad
to get 81 day in a Leadvllle mine. His
income now is more than 1000 q
week. When he arrived In Leadville about
eight or nine years ago. he could neither
read nor write. His illlteracy did not
trouble him much until he began to climb
the ladder to wealth, and was forced by
| circumstances to mingle with the brains,
culture and capital OF the great carbonate
camp. Then he employed a private tutor
and studied hard until he was able to sign
his name and read the signatures of others
Morrissey's ascension to atfiuence wa'
rapid. He learned practical mining al
miner in the Crown Point property al
Lesdville when it was offered for sale by
disguised stockholders. One of these wa:
Joseph Reynolds of Chicago, who wa:
known to fame as Diamond Joe" and the
steamboat king" Norrisey whispered
something to him and Reynolds said. &c
ahead and you will receive one-third OF al
the ore you turn out"
Morrisey went ahead, and after working
hard for six months uncovered the richest
body of wire silver bearing ore ever discov
cred in the State. From that moment fort
une smiled on him. AS fast as he made
money he invested it. The Crown P0in
is still pouring out wealth for him. and ht
receives a share of the output of the bes
mines at Aspen, Red Cliff, Sewbelly Gulct
and other points within 100 miles of Lead
vile. He has always been lover and
promoter OF square sports. When a work
ing miner he was prominent in the wrest
| ling and boxing matches held almost daily
at Leadville, and as his fortune increased
be rode his hobby higher.